Lead vendor negotiations to secure favorable pricing, delivery terms, and service level agreements Track and report procurement savings and ensure compliance with established policies and procedures Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders across R&D, Operations, Quality, and other functions to understand requirements and deliver value Collaborate with key stakeholders to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and support business initiatives Monitor supplier performance and resolve any issues or discrepancies promptly to maintain operational excellence Ensure proper documentation and record-keeping for audit purposes and contract compliance What You Need to be Successful Minimum Requirements for the Senior Category Manager (Subcontract Administration Staff V) include: Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business Administration or a related field is required A minimum of (5) years of hands-on experience in Supply Chain, Procurement, Strategic Sourcing, or Category Management is required Demonstrated experience in procurement planning, strategic sourcing, and executing procurement plans for indirect categories Proven experience managing R&D, MRO, Prototyping, and/or Calibration categories Strong project management skills with the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with strong attention to detail and organizational abilities Strong analytical skills for evaluating procurement data, market trends, and vendor performance, with experience in presenting data analysis summaries to various audiences, including senior management How You Can Stand Out It would be impressive if you have one or more of these: Master's degree in Supply Chain, Business Administration, or a related field Certification in Supply Chain Management (e.g., CPSM, CSCP, CPM) Experience managing Enterprise Services categories (e.g., consulting, professional services, contingent workforce) Familiarity with SAP / ARIBA (source to pay) systems Experience in the aerospace or highly regulated industry supporting indirect commodities Track record of delivering significant cost savings and process improvements through strategic sourcing initiatives We offer a competitive compensation package where you'll be rewarded based on your performance and recognized for the value you bring to our business. What You'll Be Doing Lead strategic sourcing and category management for Research & Development (R&D), Prototyping, Maintenance, Repair & Operations (MRO), and Calibration services, with additional responsibility for Enterprise Services as needed Develop and execute category strategies that align with business objectives, drive cost savings, and ensure supply continuity Manage sourcing activities for assigned indirect commodities, including goods and services, while executing and overseeing the timely award of contracts and purchase orders Conduct market analysis and supplier assessments to identify opportunities for cost reduction, process improvement, and risk mitigation.